Report: Warriors 'alive' in trade pursuit of Lauri Markkanen

Warriors fans should circle August 6 on their calendars as a target date for a possible Lauri Markkanen trade to their beloved franchise.

That is when Markkanen becomes eligible to renegotiate and extend his contract with the Jazz. If Utah doesn't offer him a new deal, it's almost a given that the All-Star forward will suit up for another franchise starting with the 2024-25 season.

The Warriors have been actively seeking a trade for Markkanen over the past month, but have yet to strike a deal with a package centered around Moses Moody and draft compensation. Golden State's reluctance to include Brandin Podziemski or Jonathan Kuminga has reportedly been the sticking point for the teams.

Despite the stalled talks, Marc Stein reported Sunday that Jazz's interest in Podziemski has kept the Warriors "alive" in their pursuit of Markkanen. Stein added that the Warriors could eventually prefer to trade Kuminga over Podziemski due to the lay of the land brought about by the new CBA.

"There is also a growing belief leaguewide that the Warriors would be more willing to move Jonathan Kuminga in a Markkanen trade — or any big-swing deal — than Podziemski," Stein wrote. "Beyond how highly Golden State rates the 21-year-old and his all-around game, Podziemski also has three seasons left on his rookie contract worth nearly $13 million as the No. 19 overall pick in June 2023. Kuminga, meanwhile, is immediately eligible for a lucrative contract extension between now and Oct. 21."

Stein believes if the Warriors do not extend Kuminga between now and Oct. 21, it could be a sign of the franchise parting with the fourth-year forward at some point this year. The former No. 7 overall pick showed flashes of a future star in his first three seasons but did not truly take the leap many predicted.

As such, do the Warriors really want to give Kuminga a max extension?

Since Podz isn't eligible for a new contract until 2027, the Warriors — a franchise determined to cut back on spending — won't have to add to their payroll by paying the young guard anytime soon.

The financial advantage of keeping Podziemski over Kuminga could sway Golden State's decision.

"That's a key consideration for Golden State in the NBA's new world of luxury tax aprons," Stein added.